In her striking and sculptural jewelry designs, Baltimore native Shana Kroiz blends metalsmithing and experimental enamel techniques.
The artist: A Baltimore native, Kroiz started creating art in high school at the Baltimore School for the Arts. She later earned a BFA from Parsons School of Design and an MFA from Towson University, where she studied jewelry.
She works out of studio in a basement of her home, where she also has a gallery. In addition to her jewelry designs, Kroiz teaches at the Baltimore Jewelry Center, a non-profit school she helped found.
The art & materials: Edgy and elegant jewelry with surface textures and colors ranging from gold and silver to a variety of poly-enamel color palettes.
The process: The artist starts with carved wax forms that are either electroformed or cast.
- The electroformed pieces are then enameled with a poly-enamel and details in 24k gold or fine silver. The pieces are hollow, which make them lightweight and comfortable to wear.
- The cast pieces are cast in sterling or 18k gold and often include precious stones.
What is electroforming: A technique that involves building layers of metal over a wax form, over several days, to create a solid shell of silver or copper. The process allows for solid yet light-weight designs.
What’s popular: Her signature Double-Sided earrings ($180 to $345). Also the Elongated Crescent Pod earrings in sterling silver, 18k heavy gold vermeil with all of the poly-enamel color choices ($90 to $345).
Other favorites: One-of-a-kind cuff’s ($800 to $2,800). Also statement necklaces ($1,200 to $3,200).
Fun, special or unusual requests: Incorporate old pieces of jewelry into cocktail rings. Also create a pendant using Siamese cat charms.
Big break (s):
- At age 25, she was included in the book: One of a Kind: American Art Jewelry Today by Susan Grant Lewin.
- Created and ran the New Jewelry Center at the Maryland Institute College of Art, where she started the certificate program in 1992.
Award: Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award, which was accompanied by a grant.
Honors: Some of her work is included in the private collections of the Museum of Art and Design in New York.
What’s new: Mostly brooches.
What’s next:
- Academy Art Museum Craft Show, Easton, MD, Oct. 15-17.
- Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show, Atlanta, Nov. 5-7, at the Carter Center. For details, check atlantacontemporaryjewleryshow.com)
- Palm Beach Fine Craft Show, Feb. 12-20.
Where to buy: shanakroizjewelry.com. Also in person at the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry Show (see link above).
Get social at:
- Facebook: shanakroizjewelry
- Instagram: @shanakroizjewelry
